The Complete Guide To Murrays Beach, Jervis Bay

Murrays Beach is one of the most spectacular beaches in Jervis Bay. In fact, I would argue Murrays Beach is the epitome of beach heaven. But I’m British, so it doesn’t take much. However, Dan, on the other hand, being Australian, is in no hurry to correct me. And so, beach heaven it is.

Awaiting those who follow the short boardwalk coastal trail is a glorious powder sand beach, of the brightest white. Lapping gently, and rather invitingly I might add, is the purest turquoise water. You’ll have scarcely taken a couple of steps on Murrays Beach before you’re immersing yourself into the calm bay and forgetting that time even exists.

But, as always, relaxing at the beach isn’t all that’s on offer and so in this guide, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about visiting Murrays Beach, Jervis Bay.

Read Jervis Bay Walks: 13 Easy Hikes Not To Miss

About Murrays Beach, Jervis Bay

Murrays Beach is located in the sublime Booderee National Park – a place that doesn’t know how to do bad beaches. Or mediocre beaches. Or just good beaches for that matter. The beaches here surpass all expectations, and I’m here for it.

Situated at the northeastern tip of Booderee National Park, Murrays Beach enjoys a sheltered location, mostly in part to Bowen Island. This large island, just off the tip of the mainland and Governor Head Lookout, is home to a happy colony of Little Penguins.

As well as the obligatory swimming, snorkelling and general relaxing, there are several short coastal walks you can do from Murrays Beach. And so, without further ado, let’s take a look at some of the best things to do at Murrays Beach, Jervis Bay.

Murrays Beach

The walk from the car park to Murrays Beach is around 300 metres long. The trail through coastal bush is beautiful with the entrance opening up onto Murrays Beach sure to take your breath away.

Awaiting is a powdery white sand beach and pristine clear turquoise waters. Certainly, when the sun is beating down on the water, the colours are quite dazzling. Backed by woodland, the beach feels remote and far from civilisation. Pair that with a well-timed visit avoiding the crowds, and you have a true island paradise on your hands.

Murrays Beach offers swimmers a relaxed and tranquil environment. Indeed, the gently lapping shore is perfect for families and those less experienced at swimming in the ocean.

Swim, bathe, read or simply marvel at the views. Time will evaporate as you chill at Murrays Beach.

Murrays Beach Cave

If you’re keen to stretch your legs a little, head east walking along Murrays Beach Jervis Bay and towards Governor Head Lookout. Tide permitting, you should be able to access the Murrays Beach Cave. This cave is more of a pseudo cave, created by a narrow rock channel and fallen tree trunks. It still looks magnificent and frames the drool-worthy landscape beyond to perfection.

Murrays Beach Boat Ramp

Back at Murrays Beach Car Park is access to the boat ramp. Here, you’ll find plenty of people heading out for a leisurely day cruising around the many beautiful bays of Booderee National Park. If you don’t have a boat, no bother. You can still head out onto the breakwall and enjoy the scenery. We also hear Murrays Beach Boat Ramp is an excellent spot to enjoy the sunrise.

Murrays Beach Walks

From Murrays Beach, you can enjoy numerous picturesque walks. Below, we’ll list three of the main walks you can do from Murrays Beach in Jervis Bay.

1. Murrays Beach to Governor Head Lookout

• Type: Out & Back
• Distance: 2.2km
• Time: 30 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy
• Trailhead: Murrays Beach Car Park

Following the trail towards the beach from the car park, you’ll continue the walk on to Governor Head Lookout. The easy trail winds through the typical coastal forest, before emerging at the northeastern point of Booderee National Park, which is where you’ll find Governor Head Lookout.

From here, you’ll have wonderful views across to Bowen Island, which is home to a colony of little penguins. Governor Head is also a popular spot for rock fishing.

2. Murrays Walking Trail (Munyunga Waraga Dhugan)

• Type: Loop
• Distance: 5.4km
• Time: 2 hours
• Difficulty: Easy
• Trailhead: Murrays Beach Car Park

The loop walk around this northeastern point of Booderee National Park offers the chance to spot wildlife, learn about the culture and history of the Indigenous peoples of the area and enjoy getting back to nature. There are 14 signs along the circuit providing information and points of interest. Walking early in the morning will provide some of the best chances of seeing wildlife. Who doesn’t love an early morning walk anyway?

3. Murrays Beach to Hole in the Wall

At low tide, it’s possible to walk along the rock platforms from Murrays Beach Boat Ramp and round to the Hole in the Wall rock attraction. As always, please take care if walking over rocks and don’t attempt this walk in anything but low tide.

You can check the tidal times here.

Where Is Murrays Beach, Jervis Bay?

Murrays Beach is located on the northern edge of Booderee National Park in Jervis Bay. Although commonly thought of as being part of New South Wales, Booderee National Park actually falls within ACT territory.

Feel free to click on the interactive map below to plan your journey.

How to Get to Murrays Beach, NSW

The simplest way to get to Murrays Beach, Jervis Bay, is by driving. Head south on Naval College Road, through Jervis Bay, to the entrance of Booderee National Park. After passing the visitor centre, follow Jervis Bay Road to the end. This will lead to Murrays Beach Car Park.

Please note: you need a Parks Pass to visit Booderee National Park. The pass costs $13 and can be purchased online before you arrive, at the entrance gates or using the QR codes dotted around the national park once you’ve arrived. If you’re camping, the Parks Pass is included in the camping fee. The pass lasts for 2 days. You can find more information here.

Murrays Beach Parking

Murrays Beach Car Park is one of the largest car parks you’ll find in Booderee National Park. Perhaps, this adds to its popularity. In addition, you have those using the boat ramp parking here too.

The car park provides toilets and beach showers.

Sydney to Jervis Bay and Murrays Beach

Travelling from Sydney to Jervis Bay is very straightforward and takes just 2–3 hours to drive. Having a car is very convenient, especially for getting around and exploring more of Booderee National Park. That’s because there is no public transport in Booderee National Park and your only options for exploring the area are by car, bicycle or boat.

Although, Booderee National Park’s website does say it’s possible to explore by walking. But, you’re looking at some long coastal walks and sections of inland road walking if you do. Certainly, having a car is the most convenient.

To find out more about renting a car with Discover Cars, read our Discover Cars review and Discover Cars Insurance review.

Read more: How To Get From Sydney To Jervis Bay

Public Transport

If you don’t have your own vehicle and don’t want to hire one, then it’s possible to take public transport to Jervis Bay. But, be warned, with a total journey time of just over five hours and three changes, it’s not a quick trip. Still, if you can take your bicycle and plan on cycling around Booderee National Park, then it might be an option to consider.

You’ll first take the train from Sydney to Kiama. At Kiama, you’ll take the Bomaderry bus to Bomaderry. Then, from Bomaderry, take the #103 bus to Hyams Beach. From Hyams Beach, you’ll need to walk (or cycle) almost 4km to the Booderee National Park entrance. And then, you’ll need to walk to Murrays Beach.

You can check public transport options here.

FAQs

Below, we’ll answer some of the most commonly asked questions about visiting Murrays Beach, Jervis Bay.

Can You Swim at Murrays Beach?

Yes! Unless you visit in winter and the water is a bit nippy, then swimming at Murrays Beach is one of the best things to do here.

Is Murrays Beach Patrolled?

No. In fact, no beaches in Booderee National Park are patrolled, so swimming and any other water activity is undertaken at your own risk.

Can You Take Dogs to Murrays Beach?

No. Dogs aren’t allowed anywhere within Booderee National Park.

Can You Fish at Murrays Beach?

Yes. You’ll find plenty of rock fishers hooking a line at Governor Head Lookout at the tip of Murrays Beach.

Other Things to Do at Booderee National Park

Booderee National Park is jam-packed full of natural attractions and beautiful camp spots. Below are some of our favourites. Additionally, be sure to head into the Booderee National Park Visitor Centre as you arrive for any extra information on wildlife, walks and attractions.

• Iluka Beach: a narrow strip of white sand perfect for swimming and bathing. Also, Iluka is a great place to spot Jervis Bay’s bioluminescence. 
• Green Patch Beach: fab campground, beautiful beach and certainly a wonderful place to enjoy sunset and sunrise.
• Cave Beach: wild and rugged, this spectacular beach is home to an incredible sea cave.
• Scottish Rocks: interesting rock formations found at the end of a beautiful forest trail.
• Hole in the Wall: it’s more like a half a hole these days but it’s still a beautiful rock formation between Bristol Point and Murrays Beach.
• Steamers Beach: enjoy a 2km trail to this secluded beach. Also, check out Brooks Lookout.
• Cape St. George Lighthouse: on the eastern edge of the national park are the ruins of a 19th-century lighthouse.
• Booderee Botanic Gardens: check out the local flora of the area.

Read more: Booderee National Park: 12 Must-See Attractions

Gear Essentials

Below are our top gear essentials for visiting Murrays Beach in Jervis Bay and the wider Booderee National Park. Of course, you should also pack swimmers and a towel. Aqua shoes might also come in handy whilst exploring rock platforms along Murrays Beach and Governor Head Lookout.

To find out more about all of the gear that we use and recommend, read our guides about our favourite hiking gear, travel gear and camera gear. Otherwise, read our comprehensive travel packing checklist.

Bonus Tips

• Facilities: there are toilets at Murrays Beach Car Park.
• Murrays Beach camping: there is nowhere to camp at Murrays Beach. The closest Booderee National Park campgrounds are at Bristol Point and Greenpatch Beaches.
• Best time to visit: visiting at sunrise or sunset is particularly nice for photography. Additionally, weekdays and outside of school holidays are quieter times to visit.
• Murrays Beach weather: although Murrays Beach and Jervis Bay are incredible places whatever the weather, it’s hard not to be completely mesmerised by the sun glistening down on the white sands and turquoise waters. To that end, check the weather before you head out. Dan and I often use the BOM website for weather forecasts.

Be sure to bookmark or save this post ready for your trip to Booderee National Park.

We acknowledge and respect the First Nations people as the Traditional Custodians of the land/water that we visited and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.